1 Since we work together with him, we are also begging you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 He says, I listened to you at the right time, and I helped you on the day of salvation.[a] Look, now is the right time! Look, now is the day of salvation!
Reflection
Years ago I commuted to my job in New York City by train. Every day the conductor would stand on the platform and call out in a loud voice, “All aboard!” When you heard that call you knew you had better hurry to get onto that train-Now! Otherwise the doors would close and you’d be left watching the train leave without you, and you wouldn’t get to arrive at your
destination at the right time to be able to do your work.
Today’s scripture by Paul sounded to me like he was calling out, “All aboard!” Paul is speaking to the church in Corinth with an urgent call to action. Paul says that even though they have received God’s grace and salvation through Jesus Christ, they aren’t growing in their faith. Because of this, Paul says they have received God’s grace in vain. It’s like they got on the train, but they don’t get off the train to go do God’s work of sharing the good news with others. They just stay on the train enjoying the ride, but they never grow into their God given
spiritual potential to do God’s work in the Kin-dom.
Like the manna that fell from heaven each day to feed the Israelites, God’s grace comes at the right time to give us the grace we need to get through each day. God’s grace is God’s free gift to us that we receive by faith. It establishes us in a new relationship with God where we learn to trust and rely on God to grow in faith to do the work of the Kin-dom right now.
God is also calling out “All aboard!” to each of us in every moment of eternity, offering us salvation through God’s love and grace. Because God is eternal, divine time is all about what’s happening right now, at the right time and now is the time for salvation! There is no time to waste, the Kin-dom is at hand!
by Jeneene Reduker
For Pondering and Prayer
Where are you in your spiritual journey?
Have you answered God’s call to salvation through Jesus? Or maybe you are “riding the train” and you’re ready for a deeper relationship with God? Talk with your Pastor, join a bible study or a small group to learn about ways you can grow in your relationship with God.
Prayer: Holy and Loving God, thank you for calling to us and offering your love, grace and salvation to us through Jesus the Christ. Help us not to receive your grace in vain, but to realize that now is the right time to do the work of the Kin-dom. Amen.
